The hallway buzzed with the usual Monday chaos—students rushing between classes, laughter echoing off the walls, the scent of coffee trailing behind sleepy footsteps.
Michelle stood by her locker, carefully placing her books inside, pretending not to glance around. She hadn't seen Steve all morning. Not since the night they'd talked—really talked. She wasn't sure what to expect now.
Maybe he'd keep his word.Maybe he wouldn't.
And maybe, deep down, she was terrified of both.
The sound of sneakers against tile slowed near her. She felt it before she saw it. A pause in the movement. A presence.
Then—
"Hey," came a soft voice behind her.
She turned.
Steve stood there, alone. No friends, no backpack slung coolly over one shoulder like always. Just him.
His eyes met hers. And this time—he didn't look away.
Without a word, he took a step closer. Then another. Students passed by around them, but Steve's world had narrowed to only one person.
Michelle opened her mouth to speak, but before she could—
He reached out.
His hand found hers—right there, between classes, in the middle of everything. He laced his fingers through hers slowly, deliberately. Gently. But firmly.
Michelle froze.
A rush of heat ran up her spine. Not because it was a bold move. But because it was his move.
And everyone could see.
He didn't let go.
"You remembered," she said quietly, barely above a whisper.
"I couldn't forget," he replied.
Her heart stuttered.
Behind them, a few students glanced their way. Someone whispered. A girl giggled behind her hand. But Steve didn't care. His thumb brushed lightly across Michelle's knuckles. The hallway faded.
"Come on," he said, still holding her hand. "Walk with me?"
She nodded, her voice caught in her throat.
And just like that, they walked side by side, hand in hand, through the crowded hallway. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Later, sitting together at the edge of the campus fountain, Michelle looked at him and smiled.
"You were scared," she said softly. "But you still chose me."
Steve looked down at their intertwined hands.
"I didn't just choose you," he said. "I want you."
Her breath hitched, heart warm.
He turned to her, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, and added:
"And next time you feel invisible, promise me you'll tell me. Because I never want to be the reason you feel unseen again."
Michelle leaned in, pressing her forehead to his.
"I don't feel invisible anymore," she whispered. "Not with you."